SEO (search engine optimization) poisoning is a technique in which attackers push malicious sites to the top of search results so that someone looking for software, a template or a manual downloads malware. For example, an employee searches for a PDF reader and installs a fake setup file. Unlike malvertising, which relies on paid ads, it exploits organic search results.
How TecnetOne handles it: Managed Endpoint Protection
search engine poisoning, search poisoning, malicious search results, fake download sites, black hat SEO malware
Related terms
Phishing as a Service (PhaaS)
Phishing as a service (PhaaS) is a criminal business model in which a group sells subscription-based kits for launching phishing campaigns: fake sign-in pages, email templates, hosting and dashboards for collecting credentials. Unlike ransomware as a service (RaaS), its product is stolen access, and some kits capture the session even when the account has multi-factor authentication.
Initial access broker (IAB)
An initial access broker (IAB) is a cybercriminal who obtains a foothold in a company's network, such as VPN (virtual private network) credentials, an exposed remote desktop or a compromised server, and sells it on dark web forums to other groups. The buyers are often ransomware affiliates, who use that access to launch the attack.
Threat actor
A threat actor is the person, group or organization that carries out or attempts an attack against systems or data. Threat actors are classified by motivation and capability: financially motivated cybercriminals, state-sponsored groups, hacktivists or insiders. Identifying the actor behind an incident helps anticipate its TTPs (tactics, techniques and procedures) and prioritize defenses.
Vishing
Vishing is a variant of phishing carried out by phone call or voicemail: the attacker poses as a bank, the IT help desk or an executive to obtain passwords, verification codes or a wire transfer. The name combines voice and phishing. Some attackers now use voices cloned with artificial intelligence (AI) to sound like someone the victim knows.
Smishing
Smishing is a variant of phishing that uses text messages (SMS) or messaging apps to trick victims into opening a fake link, handing over data or installing malware. The name combines SMS and phishing. A common example is a message that impersonates a bank or a delivery company and asks the recipient to confirm a purchase or pay a fee for a held package.
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